Cleveland National Air Show canceled

The 2013 Cleveland National Air Show scheduled for Labor Day weekend has been cancelled because of federal budget cuts.

Government sequestration slashed the budget of the Department of Defense and Aerospace Industry public air shows, including flyovers, jump team demonstrations and aerial demonstrations, according to a news release posted online Monday afternoon.

“After considering the effect this will have on programming, attendance and the financial viability of producing a 2013 event, the Executive Committee of Cleveland National Air Show Inc. Board of Trustees made the decision to cancel this year’s Air Show,” Executive Director Chuck Newcomb said. “Though regrettable, this action is viewed to be in the long term best interest of the Air Show, the city of Cleveland and the valued fans that annually attend the event.”

The 2014 show is tentatively planned for Aug. 30 through Sept. 1 featuring the US. Navy Blue Angels.

A Cleveland staple since 1964, the air show has attracted 60,000 to 100,000 people to Burke Lakefront Airport and brings in more than $7 million in economic impact to Cleveland, according to the release.

Newcomb also thanked the vendors, sponsors and fans who have supported the show over the years.

“It is their efforts and community involvement that has made the Air Show a Labor Day Weekend tradition in downtown Cleveland for half a century,” Newcomb said.